12 Physics Programs for High School Students in Chicago
If you are interested in physics, attending a structured program can help you explore the subject beyond your regular coursework. These programs introduce you to advanced topics, research-style thinking, and project-based learning, preparing you for future STEM majors or careers. You also gain exposure to university labs, research centers, and mentors who can help you better understand what studying physics at a higher level involves.
Why should you attend a program in Chicago?
Chicago is home to leading institutions such as the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Fermilab, which together contribute to a strong ecosystem for physics education and research. Through programs in and around the city, you can attend lectures, participate in lab-based projects, explore quantum science and astrophysics, and interact with researchers working in the field. These opportunities are well-suited for students who live in Chicago and for those from outside the city seeking access to a rigorous STEM environment.
To make things easier for you, we have narrowed the list to 12 physics programs for high school students in Chicago.
If you are interested in research opportunities in Chicago, check out our blog here.
1. Fermilab’s Saturday Morning Quantum in Chicago (SMQ)
Location: Olive-Harvey Learning Center, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: February 7 – April 25
Application deadline: Varies by year; first-come, first-served enrollment
Eligibility: Chicago Public Schools students in grades 9–12
This program connects you with Fermilab researchers through weekend quantum science sessions. Each Saturday session includes lectures followed by tours and hands-on activities at research facilities. The curriculum introduces you to high-energy physics and the work conducted at Fermilab. You will explore real labs, quantum exhibits, and the Fermilab campus, and learn how quantum tools are built and tested. Additionally, you will attend career talks to learn about different paths in physics and engineering, including career opportunities at Fermilab.
2. Veritas AI’s AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial aid offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year (dates vary by cohort)
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students who have coding/AI experience or have completed the Veritas AI Scholars Program
Veritas AI focuses on providing high school students who are passionate about the field of AI with a suitable environment in which to explore their interests. The programs include collaborative learning, project development, and 1-on-1 mentorship. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of Python or are recommended to complete the AI Scholars program before pursuing the fellowship. The AI Fellowship program will allow students to pursue independent AI research projects. Students work on their research projects over 15 weeks and can opt to combine AI with any other field of interest. You can find examples of previous projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. After School Matters STEM Lab Internship
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Six-week summer program typically running from the end of June to early August
Application deadline: Not specified; applications open in March
Eligibility: Chicago high school students who are at least 16 years old
This six-week summer research internship gives you structured exposure to real lab-based research in science and engineering. The program begins with a one-week research bootcamp, where you will learn core lab safety, research basics, and how to plan scientific projects. You will then spend five weeks working in labs for approximately 20 hours per week, supporting ongoing research projects across STEM disciplines, including physics. Instead of working alone, you are placed with a full team of mentors from the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, which lets you see different roles within a research group. You will also learn science communication skills and how to explain your work clearly.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program: Physics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; financial assistance offered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple sessions, including summer, spring, fall, and winter cohorts, are scheduled each year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: High school students; accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more.
5. UChicago Chin Lab’s SMART Program
Location: University of Chicago Chin Lab, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 10 – 15 (tentative)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
This five-day program allows you to join the Chin Lab and explore scientific concepts such as superconductivity, the Meissner effect, and quantum science on the UChicago Campus. You will attend sessions led by UChicago staff, faculty, and students, and explore engineering tools such as 3D printing, and design and print your own 3D objects. Field trips are a key feature of the program, with one day allocated to astronomy and astrophysics exploration through a visit to the Adler Planetarium, and another day set aside for a trip to Argonne National Lab, where you will learn about the particle accelerator and advanced photon source.
6. Chicago State University’s Quantum Sensing Camp
Location: Chicago State University, Chicago, IL
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – 19
Application deadline: Registrations open until programs are full
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 12
This two-week camp, offered by Chicago State University, introduces you to quantum sensors and their applications in science and medicine. You will participate in lab sessions focused on techniques required for biophysics and engineering research. You will learn about magnetic field detection, imaging technologies, and quantum sensing applications in drug discovery, healthcare, research, and materials science. This is an opportunity to gain insights into how quantum tools are changing different industries. Field trips are also part of the experience.
7 .UChicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart
Location: University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $3,000
Program dates: Second week of June – first week of August
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live in Illinois or Lake County, IN, and are at least 16 when the program begins
The ResearcHStart program offers high school students the opportunity to conduct cancer research alongside scientists. Here, you will spend eight weeks in labs learning how research is conducted and engaging in projects across various areas, including biophysics. You will gain experience conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining lab notes, and communicating research results, while also building teamwork and critical-thinking skills. You will work closely with mentors who will guide you through the process and offer insights into research and STEM careers.
8. UChicago Collegiate Scholars Program (CSP)
Location: University of Chicago or CPS partner sites, Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 150 students/year
Dates: Three-year program
Application deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Students in 9th grade attending Chicago Public Schools; applicants must be high-achieving students. Priority is given to low-income or first-generation college students.
CSP is a free outreach program designed to help high school students prepare for college and support their applications to selective colleges. Running over three years, the program provides access to college-level courses taught for six weeks each summer by UChicago faculty and graduate students. The schedule also includes physics classes that cover topics beyond the standard school science curriculum. The program also offers enrichment activities and academic workshops to build college and career readiness, financial literacy, leadership development, cultural awareness, and civic engagement.
9. UChicago’s Quantum Quickstart
Location: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Chicago, IL
Cost: $2,500; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; preference to Chicago students
Dates: July 26 – 31
Application deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–11 who are at least 14 years old
Part of UChicago’s summer pre-college program, this one-week course introduces you to quantum mechanics and engineering through short, focused sessions. You will begin by discussing why classical physics cannot explain certain phenomena and how computers running quantum algorithms can address these challenges. UChicago faculty will share insights into how quantum computing and secure communication work. Virtual labs enable you to simulate quantum systems and test theoretical ideas. Career and college sessions are also part of the experience, helping you connect your interest in science with future plans.
10. Summer at UChicago: Pathways in Molecular Engineering
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: $9,300 (residential) | $6,100 (commuter); financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students/year
Dates: July 7 – 23
Application deadline: Priority: February 11; Regular: March 12
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11
This three-week residential course introduces you to molecular engineering, focusing on the intersection of physics, materials science, computation, and engineering design. You will study how engineers design and optimize systems at the molecular level to solve problems in energy, water purification, and biomedical devices. The course covers core engineering skills like modeling, optimization, and design principles, all applied to real-world challenges. You will also use supercomputing tools to run simulations that guide your design decisions in lab and project work. Instruction includes lectures, discussions, and hands-on labs led by University of Chicago faculty.
11. Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small-group cohort
Dates: July 7 – 25
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 11; no prior physics or coding experience required
SPINWIP is a free online program designed to help high school students build a strong foundation in modern physics through interactive learning and coding. You will explore areas such as quantum physics, astrophysics, and cosmology through lectures, and learn to use Python to complete physics-based projects. You will join small-group sessions led by Stanford undergraduates. You will also have access to mentorship and college-planning workshops to help you explore future paths in STEM.
12. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual internships available for Massachusetts students
Cost: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition for three course credits; fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP offers virtual research internships in various STEM fields, including physics and astronomy. Over the course of eight weeks, you will work with a mentor, engaging in physical science research and learning how to use research tools and methodologies. During the program, you will build scientific writing skills and explore STEM career paths through discussions led by professors, researchers, and professionals. The program ends with a symposium, where you will learn about the research conducted at ASSIP over the summer.